[Quantitative analysis of risk assessment indicators for re-introduction of imported malaria in China].

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively analyze the risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients, so as to investigate the difference in the contribution of risk indicators included in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China to the risk assessment of re-introduction of imported malaria. METHODS: Publications pertaining to the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China that reported the risk indicators and their weighting coefficients were retrieved in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP with terms of "malaria", "re-introduction/re-transmission/re-establishment", "risk assessment/risk evaluation/risk prediction" from the inception of the database through 3 August 2023, and literature search was performed in Google Scholar to ensure the comprehensiveness of the retrieval. Basic characteristics of included studies were extracted using pre-designed information extraction forms by two investigators, and data pertaining to risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were cross-checked by these two investigators. The risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients were visualized with the Nightingale's rose diagrams using the software R 4.2.1, and the importance of risk indictors was evaluated with the frequency of risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework and the ranking of weighting coefficients of risk indicators. In addition, the capability of risk indicators screened by different weighting methods was compared by calculating the ratio of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by different weighting methods. RESULTS: A total of 2 138 publications were retrieved, and following removal of duplications and screening, a total of 8 publications were included in the final analysis. In these 8 studies, 8 risk assessment frameworks for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and 52 risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were reported, in which number of imported malaria cases (n = 8) and species of malaria vectors were more frequently included in the risk assessment frameworks (n = 8), followed by species of imported malaria parasites (n = 6) and population density of local malaria vectors (n = 6), and species of local malaria vectors (n = 6), number of imported malaria cases (n = 5) and species of imported malaria parasites had the three highest weighting coefficients (n = 4). The weighting methods included expert scoring method, combination of expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process, and combination of expert scoring method and entropy weight method in these 8 studies, and the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by the expert scoring method were 1.143 to 2.241, while the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process were 34.970 to 162.000. CONCLUSIONS: Number of imported malaria cases, species of imported malaria parasites, species of local malaria vectors and population density of local malaria vectors are core indicators in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China. Combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process is superior to the expert scoring method alone for weighting the risk indicators.

[Risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on the machine learning].

OBJECTIVE: To create risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on machine learning algorithms, so as to provide insights into early identification of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: Case investigation, first symptoms and time of initial diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were captured from Infectious Disease Report Information Management System and Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients were created with the back propagation (BP) neural network model, logistic regression model, random forest model and Bayesian model using thirteen factors as independent variables, including occupation, species of malaria parasite, main clinical manifestations, presence of complications, severity of disease, age, duration of residing abroad, frequency of malaria parasite infections abroad, incubation period, level of institution at initial diagnosis, country of origin, number of individuals travelling with patients and way to go abroad, and time of healthcare-seeking delay as a dependent variable. Logistic regression model was visualized using a nomogram, and the nomogram was evaluated using calibration curves. In addition, the efficiency of the four models for prediction of risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The importance of each characteristic was quantified and attributed by using SHAP to examine the positive and negative effects of the value of each characteristic on the predictive efficiency. RESULTS: A total of 244 imported malaria patients were enrolled, including 100 cases (40.98%) with the duration from onset of first symptoms to time of initial diagnosis that exceeded 24 hours. Logistic regression analysis identified a history of malaria parasite infection [odds ratio (OR) = 3.075, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.597, 5.923)], long incubation period [OR = 1.010, 95% CI: (1.001, 1.018)] and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical facilities [OR = 12.550, 95% CI: (1.158, 135.963)] as risk factors for delay in seeking healthcare among imported malaria cases. BP neural network modeling showed that duration of residing abroad, incubation period and age posed great impacts on delay in healthcare-seek among imported malaria patients. Random forest modeling showed that the top five factors with the greatest impact on healthcare-seeking delay included main clinical manifestations, the way to go abroad, incubation period, duration of residing abroad and age among imported malaria patients, and Bayesian modeling revealed that the top five factors affecting healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients included level of institutions at initial diagnosis, age, country of origin, history of malaria parasite infection and individuals travelling with imported malaria patients. ROC curve analysis showed higher overall performance of the BP neural network model and the logistic regression model for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients (Z = 2.700 to 4.641, all P values < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference in the AUC among four models (Z = 1.209, P > 0.05). The sensitivity (71.00%) and Youden index (43.92%) of the logistic regression model was higher than those of the BP neural network (63.00% and 36.61%, respectively), and the specificity of the BP neural network model (73.61%) was higher than that of the logistic regression model (72.92%). CONCLUSIONS: Imported malaria cases with long duration of residing abroad, a history of malaria parasite infection, long incubation period, advanced age and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical institutions have a high likelihood of delay in healthcare-seeking in Jiangsu Province. The models created based on the logistic regression and BP neural network show a high efficiency for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, which may provide insights into health management of imported malaria patients.

Identification of warning signs in Malaysian patients having COVID-19 infection who progress to severe form of the illness.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus, now widely known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has caused 3 major pandemic waves in Malaysia. We aimed to identify the warning signs as indicators that predict the progression of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients more than 12 years of age presenting with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted in three separate hospitals around the country. RESULTS: Of the 228 patients initially admitted with mild illness, 47 had progressed requiring oxygen. The median time from admission to deterioration was 3 days (IQR 2 - 5). Age more than ≥50years old (median age = 42.5, IQR = 28.8 - 57.0), higher temperature (mean = 37.3, IQR 36.8 - 38.0), MEWS score >3 (9, 19.1%), Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >3.13 , (18, 38.3%) C-reactive protein (CRP) >5. (12, 27.3%), multiple zonal involvement on the chest radiography on admission (2, IQR 1-3) were more common in the deteriorated group on admission. On multivariate analysis, multiple comorbidities (HR = 7.40, 95 percent CI 2.58-21.2, p0.001), presence of persistent fever (HR = 2.88, 95 percent CI 1.15 - 7.2, p = 0.024), MEWS scoring >3 (HR of 6.72 ;95 percent CI 2.81-16.0, p0.001) were associated with progression to severe illness. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, we found that several factors were associated with the severity of COVID19. Early detection of these factors could correctly identify patients who need more intensive monitoring, and early referral for ICU care.

Impact of weight management nutrition interventions on dietary outcomes in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of obesity interventions on dietary intake in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity is unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of the dietary component of weight management interventions on the change in diet in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. METHODS: Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1975 and 2020 were identified by a systematic search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analyses of eligible study outcomes were performed using statistical software. A multilevel random effects model was used with three significant random effects fitted using restricted maximum likelihood estimation. RESULTS: This review identified 109 RCTs, including 95 that reported at least one statistically significant dietary outcome change and 14 reporting no significant dietary change. Results from the meta-analyses (n = 29 studies) indicated that, compared to control groups, intervention groups achieved significantly greater reductions in mean total energy intake at ≤6 months (-194 kcal day-1 , 95% confidence interval = -275.80 to -112.90 kcal day-1 , P < 0.001) and up to 12 months (-112 kcal day-1 95% confidence interval = -218.92 to -5.83 kcal day-1 ) P = 0.038), increases in fruit and/or vegetable intakes over 2-12 months (n = 34, range +0.6 to +1.5 servings day-1 ) and reductions in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (n = 28, range -0.25 to -1.5 servings day-1 ) at 4-24 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity interventions with a dietary component have a modest but sustained impact on reducing total energy intake and improving intakes of specific food groups in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. High quality RCTs that are powered to detect change in diet as a primary outcome are warranted.

Using routine blood parameters to anticipate clinical outcomes in invasive aspergillosis.

OBJECTIVE: In invasive aspergillosis (IA), monitoring response to antifungal treatment is challenging. We aimed to explore if routine blood parameters help to anticipate outcomes following IA. METHODS: Post hoc secondary analysis of two multicenter randomized trials was performed. The Global Comparative Aspergillosis Study (GCA, n = 123) and the Combination Antifungal Study (CAS, n = 251) constituted the discovery and validation cohorts respectively. The outcome measures were response to treatment and survival to 12 weeks. Interval platelet, galactomannan index (GMI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels prior and during antifungal treatment were analysed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: The 12-week survival was 70.7% and 63.7% for the GCA and CAS cohorts respectively. In the GCA cohort, every 10 × 109/L platelet count increase at week 2 and 4 improved 12-week survival odds by 6-18% (odds ratio (OR) 1.06-1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.33). Survival odds also improved 13% with every 10 mg/dL CRP drop at week 1 and 2 (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.97). In the CAS cohort, week 2 platelet count was also associated with 12-week survival with 10% improved odds for every 10 × 109/L platelet increase (OR, 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.15). A GMI drop of 0.1 unit was additionally found to increase the odds of treatment response by 3% at the baseline of week 0 (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Week 2 platelet and CRP levels performed better than GMI on ROC analyses for survival (area under ROC curve 0.76, 0.87 and 0.67 respectively). A baseline platelet count higher than 30 × 109/L clearly identified patients with >75% survival probability. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serial platelets were associated with overall survival while GMI trends were linked to IA treatment response. Routine and simple laboratory indices may aid follow-up of response in IA patients.

Effects of progesterone receptor on proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells.

In order to study the mechanism of the effect of progesterone receptor on the growth of primary uterine leiomyoma cells, the primary cells were extracted from uterine leiomyoma cells and identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mitochondrial progesterone receptor-positive [PR-M(+)], mitochondrial progesterone receptor-negative [PR-M(-)], progesterone receptor A (PR-A) and progesterone receptor B (PR-B) were screened by Western blotting. Different concentrations of Mifepristone (MIF), a progesterone receptor antagonist, were used to interfere with PR-M(+) and PR-M(-) cell lines, respectively. Proliferation and apoptosis of PR-M(+) and PR-M(-) cell lines were detected by tetramethylazolyl blue method and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of Caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein was detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the growth of PR-M(+) and PR-M(-) uterine leiomyoma cells was inhibited with the increase of MIF concentration. Furthermore, the proliferation inhibition rate and apoptosis rate were gradually increased. However, the expression of Caspase-3 protein on progesterone receptor M increased, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased. Moreover, progesterone could induce progesterone receptor M to up-regulate apoptotic protein Caspase-3 and down-regulate anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, thus it could inhibit the apoptosis of primary cultured uterine leiomyoma cells and promote the proliferation of leiomyoma cells.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutrition interventions for chronic noncancer pain.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrition interventions on participant reported pain severity and intensity in populations with chronic pain. METHODS: Eight databases were systematically searched for studies that included adult populations with a chronic pain condition, a nutrition intervention and a measure of pain. Where possible, data were pooled using meta-analysis. Seventy-one studies were included, with 23 being eligible for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Studies were categorised into four groups: (i) altered overall diet with 12 of 16 studies finding a significant reduction in participant reported pain; (ii) altered specific nutrients with two of five studies reporting a significant reduction in participant reported pain; (iii) supplement-based interventions with 11 of 46 studies showing a significant reduction in pain; and (iv) fasting therapy with one of four studies reporting a significant reduction in pain. The meta-analysis found that, overall, nutrition interventions had a significant effect on pain reduction with studies testing an altered overall diet or just one nutrient having the greatest effect. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the importance and effectiveness of nutrition interventions for people who experience chronic pain.

[Retrospective clinical analyses of otogenic intracranial infections].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment options for otogenic intracranial infections. Method: Clinical records of all the patients of otogenic intracranial infections admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical presentations, radiological findings, culture results, and medical and surgical therapy modalities, as well as treatment outcomes were studied. Results: Sixteen cases were identified. The majority of the otogenic patients had a history of cholesteatoma, other rare events included congenital cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea, Gorham-Stout disease and after radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Meningitis, cerebral venous thrombosis and brain abscess were the primary intracranial infection. Eight patients had received modified radical mastoidectomy at least one time. Results of routine culture for cerebrospinal and pus samples had high negative rate. All patients received initial empirical broadspectrum intravenous antibiotics therapy. Four cases of brain abscesses were drained or excised at the same time for otologic surgery. The mortality rate was 6.25% (1 case). Conclusions: Cholesteatoma is still the most commonly primary disease of otogenic intracranial complications. Diagnosis and treatment of otogenic intracranial infections require multidisciplinary cooperation. Surgical intervention for primary ear lesions and intracranial abscess is still the main option in the treatment of otogenic intracranial infections.

[Clinical application of supraclavicular flap for oncologic reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus].

Objective: To assess the efficacy of supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for the reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus. Methods: The SCAIF procedure on was used in 10 patients, including 8 with hypopharygeal carcinomas, 1 with esophageal carcinoma and neck skin invasion and 1 with hypopharyngeal leiomyosarcoma, at the Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yatsen University between December 2015 and June 2017. The sizes of the flaps were measured in (4-8) cm×(5-12) cm. Clinical indexes such as harvesting time and survival were recorded. Results: Harvesting time for SCAIF ranged from 20 to 30 minutes, averaging 26 minutes. Nine flaps survived, one flap had partially necrosis. Functional outcomes were excellent and the donor sites were direct closed without complications. Conclusions: SCAIF is a versatile, reliable, and easily harvested flap, with good cosmetic and functional outcomes for reconstructing the defects of hypopharynx and upper esophagus.

Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. METHODS: Two types of fixation systems were selected for finite element analysis and a dual cohort study. Two fixation systems were simulated to fix the fracture in a finite element model. The relative displacement and stress distribution were analysed and compared. A total of 71 consecutive patients with closed Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the treatment to which they chose: the EFLIF group and the ORIF group. The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The relative displacement of the EFLIF was less than that of the plate (0.1363 mm to 0.1808 mm). The highest von Mises stress value on the plate was 33% higher than that on the EFLIF. A normal restoration of the Böhler angle was achieved in both groups. No significant difference was found in the clinical outcome on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale, or on the Visual Analogue Scale between the two groups (p > 0.05). Wound complications were more common in those who were treated with ORIF (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Both EFLIF and ORIF systems were tested to 160 N without failure, showing the new construct to be mechanically safe to use. Both EFLIF and ORIF could be effective in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. The EFLIF may be superior to ORIF in achieving biomechanical stability and less blood loss, shorter surgical time and hospital stay, and fewer wound complications.Cite this article: M. Pan, L. Chai, F. Xue, L. Ding, G. Tang, B. Lv. Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:433-438. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.2000640.

Regulatory mechanism of miR-29 over TGF-ß1 and COL1 in scar cells.

OBJECTIVE: To study the regulatory mechanism of miR-29 over TGF-ß1 and COL1 in scar cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 5 clinical cases of hypertrophic scar (HS) skin and adjacent normal skin tissues were separated into fibroblast for primary culture and subculture before being observed morphologically and standard HE staining under an ordinary optical microscope. RT-PCR method was applied to test the expression level of miR-29, TGF-ß1, and COL1 mRNA. ELISA method was applied to test the expression level of extracellular matrix COL1, fibronectin (FN) and α-SMA. The miR-29 overexpression vector was built and transfected in vitro. RT-PCR method was applied to test related genes and ELISA method was applied to test the expression level of the extracellular matrix. RESULTS: The color of karyon and cytoplasm of normal fibroblast were both light red, with little ECM. The color of karyon of scar fibroblast was blue. The cytoplasm was red of different degrees, with relatively much ECM, in deep blue color. Compared with that in the normal fibroblast group, the miR-29 mRNA in fibroblast in the scar group significantly decreased (p<0.05). The TGF-ß1 and COL1 mRNA significantly increased (p<0.05). The COL1, FN and α-SMA level were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the normal group. These mRNAs levels in miR-29 overexpression group were lower than scar group but higher than the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-29 which regulates the expression of TGF-ß1 and COL1 and increases the level of ECM significantly decreases in scar cells. This one suggests a mechanism of the formation of the scars through TGF-ß1 and COL1.

[Genetic analysis of a pedigree with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy].

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic features of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). Methods: The clinical data of one Chinese pedigree of PHO, namely pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) were collected.Blood samples were drawn from the propositus and other family members.DNA was extracted and genetic analysis was performed by Sanger method after PCR.The sequencing data of HPGD gene exons were analyzed by alignment with sequences from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Results: (1)The propositus represented symptoms in childhood including clubbing fingers, sweating, seborrhea, joint swelling and so on.Periosteal thickening and bone hyperplasia were found by X-ray. (2)The homozygous mutation named c. 310_311delCT in propositus, which located in the third exon of HPGD, was identified.His parents carried the same heterozygous mutation, while his sister did not inherit any mutation of this gene. (3)The prediction of spatial structure of proteins revealed that the mutant proteins had about 60% discrepancy compared with wild-type protein, losing a lot of motifs responsible for combining with coenzyms and prostaglandin E(2), as well as active sites of enzymes. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations and imaging findings are helpful to diagnose PDP. Moreover gene mutation analysis ensures the diagnosis.The structure and function of HPGD gene mutation induce 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase mutation, contributing to the occurrence of PDP.

Selective-releasing-affected lubricant mechanism of a self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayer film sliding in diverse atmospheres.

A self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C multilayer film prepared by r.f. co-sputtering of MoS2 and graphite targets was tribotested in diverse sliding atmospheres, and the lubricant mechanism and its correlations to the selective releasing behavior of non-lubricant component were analyzed in detail. Based on the analysis of composition and structural transformation of transferred materials by Raman and HRTEM characterizations, selective releasing behavior according to the sliding atmospheres were found to be particularly apparent in vacuum and dry inert atmospheres. Under these conditions, a-C in graphitic form was selectively released outwards from the topmost surfaces of contacts, leaving MoS2 layers finely reordered in (002) orientation playing a lubricant role. Composition and structural transformation were observed not only on the topmost surface of wear track but also on the underlying layer at a thickness of tens of nanometers. Moreover, it was found that the selective releasing of a-C initiated from the center of contacts with higher pressure, and then developed toward the edges, resulting in a gradual change in the composition and microstructure of the transferred materials from the well-aligned MoS2 layers in the center to the graphitic a-C dominant composites at the edges. The short running-in periods and low-friction performance in all the tribotests suggested that the initial preference of MoS2-riched sublayers in (002) orientation may facilitate the formation of shearless tribofilms and therefore provide a feasible way of structural tailoring in the MoS2-based lubricant films for an improved triboactive response.

Cloning and expression analysis of glucose transporter 4 mRNA in the cold hardiness frog, Rana dybowskii.

BACKGROUND: The Rana dybowskii distribute in northeast region of China which have seasonally cold climates. During winter they survival freezing by biosynthesizing carbohydrate cryoprotectants such as high concentrations glucose into blood and all tissues. The essential role of glucose transporter 4 is a high-affinity glucose transporter, which can increase glucose uptake in cells when it stimulated by insulin. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analysis the full-length GLUT4 mRNA detect the gene levels of GLUT4 in R. dybowskii main tissues by qPCR during low temperature. RESULTS: We found in heart, fat body, skeletal muscle and skin four tissues all express GLUT4, and the levels of GLUT4 decreased on initial cold exposure stage, 8~12 hours, followed 24 hours it recovered. CONCLUSION: This study we firstly indentified and characterized GLUT4 in amphibious, and provide a novel insight into the role of GLUT4 in cryoprotectant synthesis and cell protection in cold hardiness amphibians.

[Therapy of adult-onset laryngeal papilloma: integrallty submucosal dissection of the tumor by CO2 laser].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the integrallty submucosal resection of adult-onset laryngeal papilloma by CO2 laser. Methods: A group of 64 cases (36 males and 28 females, multipe lesions 54 cases and single lesion 10 cases, aged 18-75 years, mean age 43.13 years) with adult-onset laryngeal papilloma encountered in the first affliated hospital of Sun Yatsen university from 2009 to 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. All cases were treated with integrallty submucosal dissection of the tumor by CO2 laser, and observed the changes of tumor integral scope, inter-operative, operative processes, postoperative voice quality, postoperative scarring, and the tracheotomy conditions, which were analysed and evaluated. Results: A total of 64 patients were followed up from 1 year to 5 years. Preoperative tumor integral scope of these patients averaged of 7.00. A total of 62 cases kept 0 score of the tumor integral scope for at least one year, which lead to a clinical cure rate of 96.9%. The inter-operative averaged of 25.7 months. The total operative processes of these patients were 87 times (mean time 1.36). Four cases resulted in postoperative scarring. However these was a good result in postoperative voice quality with a mean score 4.25. As to the changes of tumor integral scope, all cases got a declining score (mean score 6.72), which resulted in a remission rate of 100%. Conclusion: The integrallty submucosal dissection of adult-onset 1aryngeal papilloma by CO2 laser was an effective way to reduce the tumor integral scope; lengthen their inter-operative; decrease the operative processes, avoid the occurrence of tracheotomy; and improve the postoperative voice quality. Most of the patients could even be cured ultimately.

Wnt1 and SFRP1 as potential prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a key role in insurgence and progression of many different forms of cancer. Some crucial components of the Wnt pathway have been proposed to be novel targets for cancer therapy. To date, the Wnt signaling pathway has not been studied in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). This study was designed to investigate the expression of Wnt1 and SFRP1 from the Wnt pathway in CSCC. Tissue samples were obtained from 35 patients with CSCC and 30 controls admitted to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital at Urumchi City, China. Gene and protein expressions of Wnt1 and SFRP1 were quantified by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Wnt1 expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CSCC samples than in normal skin cells of the control subjects; in contrast, SFRP1 expression was significantly lower in CSCC tissues than that in tissues of control subjects (P < 0.05). Moreover, Wnt1 expression (P < 0.05) was found to be correlated with histopathological differentiation in CSCC, and negatively correlated with SFRP1 expression in CSCC (rs = -0.473, P = 0.015). Therefore, we concluded that Wnt1 and SFRP1 play important roles in the development of CSCC and could be potent markers for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of CSCC.

Isolation, identification, and degradation performance of a PFOA-degrading strain.

The perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-degrading strain YAB1 was isolated from the soil near a perfluorinated compound production plant through acclimation and enrichment culture, using PFOA as the sole carbon source. This strain was preliminarily identified as Pseudomonas parafulva based on colony morphology, physiological and biochemical features, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using shaking flask fermentation, the maximum tolerable concentration of YAB1 on PFOA was found to be 1000 mg/L. The optimal conditions for bacterial growth and PFOA degradation were 30°C, pH 7, 2% inoculum, and an initial PFOA concentration of 500 mg/L. After 96 h of culture, the PFOA degradation rate determined by GC-MS analysis was 32.4%. When 1 g/L glucose was added to the inorganic salt culture medium, the degradation rate increased to 48.1%. Glucose was the best exogenous carbon source for the degradation of PFOA. This study reports the degradation performance of PFOA-degrading bacteria.

Leukemic survival factor SALL4 contributes to defective DNA damage repair.

SALL4 is aberrantly expressed in human myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have generated a SALL4 transgenic (SALL4B Tg) mouse model with pre-leukemic MDS-like symptoms that transform to AML over time. This makes our mouse model applicable for studying human MDS/AML diseases. Characterization of the leukemic initiation population in this model leads to the discovery that Fancl (Fanconi anemia, complementation group L) is downregulated in SALL4B Tg leukemic and pre-leukemic cells. Similar to the reported Fanconi anemia (FA) mouse model, chromosomal instability with radial changes can be detected in pre-leukemic SALL4B Tg bone marrow (BM) cells after DNA damage challenge. Results from additional studies using DNA damage repair reporter assays support a role of SALL4 in inhibiting the homologous recombination pathway. Intriguingly, unlike the FA mouse model, after DNA damage challenge, SALL4B Tg BM cells can survive and generate hematopoietic colonies. We further elucidated that the mechanism by which SALL4 promotes cell survival is through Bcl2 activation. Overall, our studies demonstrate for the first time that SALL4 has a negative impact in DNA damage repair, and support the model of dual functional properties of SALL4 in leukemogenesis through inhibiting DNA damage repair and promoting cell survival.